Marina Militare

More than a year ago, I purchased a Parnis Marina Militare 42mm, with power reserve, automatic watch. I purchased this model specifically because it has the round style crown guard, as opposed to the hard angle version that is currently available. I am sure this is due to copyright infringement, but I really wanted the older style homage.

This is a great homage to a great styled watch, that is totally overpriced. This is the 42mm model, with power reserve. Ironically, Panerai does not make a model like this, but they really should. The case is very well finished, all brushed. The lug width is 24mm and is the perfect size for this diameter watch. The watch does not use a spring pin, but a solid bar that is released with a button. This is a nice touch, and exactly how it is done on the real deal. The bezel has a high polish and tapers nicely into the domed crystal. The crystal is domed mineral glass with decent magnifier for the date. The magnifier is on the inside of the glass, which I did not expect.

The dial of the watch is a deep black. The hour and minute hands are simple, pointed sticks, with lume. The seconds sub-dial is at the nine o’clock position and has a baton style hand. The second hand sweeps very smoothly and I suspect this a 28,800 BPH watch. The power reserve indicator is at the 5 o’clock position and has the same style hand as the seconds hand. It indicates from 0 to 40 hours, and in real world use, the watch has about 41 hours reserve. There are Arabic numbers at 12 and 6, with stick markers at the hour positions. They are luminescent. The lume is pretty good for a Chinese made watch, on par with something like a Fossil or fashion watch.

The movement appears to be a Seagull automatic, I have not bothered to open the case to check. Power reserve is excellent at 41 hours, and the watch is surprisingly accurate. I have been able to wear it for a week without adjustment! The watch is also an automatic and hand-winds. On the left side of the watch is what looks like a helium escape valve, but what it actually is is the quickset date function!

The back of the watch is a solid, stainless steel back, marked with Marina Militare, Stainless Steel, 300M. I don’t doubt the stainless, but I am little dubious about the 300 meters. Other than some rain and hand-washing, I have not really tested this claim. If I do intend to swim, I always switch to my Seiko Diver’s.

The band is an after market, hand stitched leather. The original was black, but did not compliment the watch well. It is actually a decent band, but I like this look better. On steel, I think the watch would be too heavy.

I am very happy with the watch. It has been very accurate, easy to read, and a good daily wear watch. The size is not too large and the weight of the watch is just right. The watch is a close as you can get to a replica, without being an actual fake. Panerai does not make a model with this combination, (42mm, automatic, with power reserve indicator) so it is in a grey area of the law. I do want to pick up another Parnis, maybe a Milligaus homage.